Six Historical Sites to Visit in Australia

More than ever before, we Britons are moving to Australia from the UK.The former country is a land that’s rich in natural and cultural splendour – but it’s also a place where you’ll find many locations of historical interest.While Australia as we know it hasn’t been around for long, there’s still a wealth of historical intrigue ripe for exploration.If you’re looking for make the switch down under, then Australian Visas for UK citizens have never been more easily obtained – provided that you have the right skills – but even if you’re just visiting, it’s worth stopping at some of the sites we’ll look through here.

National Museum of Australia

This museum can be found in Canberra.It offers visitors the chance to explore the history of the country, with a particular emphasis on indigenous histories and cultures, as well as an exploration of the impact European settlement had on the development of the young nation.The museum is open from nine until five every day of the year except Christmas Day – and so there’s no excuse not to find a way to squeeze a visit into your schedule.

Bennelong Point

Bennelong point can be found in Sydney, and it’s more commonly known globally as the site of the Sydney Opera House.The island is significant to Australia’s history.In the very late part of the 18th century, an aborigine named Bennelong persuaded the then-governor of New South Wales to allow him to build a hut here, which is what gives the island its name.Bennelong was employed by the British colonists as an interlocutor, and his role was to explain the position of the invaders to the locals.

Fort Scratchley

You’ll find this former coastal defence facility in New South Wales, where it now functions as a museum.A visit here will offer a fascinating insight into the military history of the region.The fort was constructed in 1882, in order to repel possible attacks by Russia.It wasn’t until Newcastle was attacked during the Second World War, however, that the fort saw any real military action.As well as providing an insight into Australian military history, the building also sits atop a hill where you’ll get a great view of the nearby Tasman Sea – and so it’s well worth a visit if you’re in New South Wales.

Fremantle Prison

This World Heritage Site can be found in Western Australia.Built between 1851 and 1859 using convict labour, it was designed to house convicts shipped to Australia from Britain, but by the end of the 19th century it had been handed to the local authorities, which used it to house locally-sentenced criminals.The prison has seen its share of action over the years, remaining active up until the late eighties, when an infamous riot sparked and resulted in millions of dollarsworth of damage, before finally closing in 1991.

Since the prison’s closure, it has been restored to its former glory, and now attracts significant tourist footfall.The focus of the conservation efforts lies squarely on the early history of the prison, especially during the colonial convict era.

Kakadu National Park

The Kakadu national park can be found in the Northern Territory.It’s home to one of the most productive uranium mines on the face of the planet, and covers an area around the size of Wales.The area is one of enormous significance for the Aboriginal people, containing some of the most well-preserved rock art in the entire country.As well as offering a glimpse into the history of the indigenous people of Australia, you’ll also find a wealth of natural beauty – you’ll be able to visit spectacular waterfalls, like Maguk and Jim Jim falls, and catch a glimpse of the area’s wildlife – including a diverse array of bird life, and some enormous saltwater crocodiles.

Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building

The Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, as well as being an architectural marvel, is one of the oldest exhibition pavilions in the entire world.It also holds the honour of being the first building in Australia to achieve a World Heritage listing.It contains expansive galleries and an eye-popping dome that’s sure to impress regardless of what’s on inside the building – but take a look through the itinerary for the weeks surrounding your visit to the area and you’re sure to find a trade show, fair or cultural event that’ll pique your interest.If you’re going to pay Melbourne a visit, you should consider a stop here obligatory.